Hear that? It’s the scintillating sound of Portland's live music venues beckoning you to a performance you’ll never forget.

The concert scene is truly unmatched in our area — from major arenas to pianos in the park, there’s a stage for any type of tune. Get to know them all with our local guide.

Arenas

Moda Center, 1 N. Center Court St. | When the biggest names come to town — think Elton John — they make a stop here, surrounded by thousands of cheering fans. It can also be reconfigured to the Theater of the Clouds, which lowers the number of seats to no more than 6,500, creating an up-close experience.

Veterans Memorial Coliseum, 300 N. Ramsay Way | As the original venue at the Rose Quarter, this building has seen plenty of history since it was built in 1960, hosting The Beatles, Johnny Cash, Queen, and the King of Rock 'n' Roll, just to name a few.

Sunset Rollercoaster took Mississippi Studios on a synth-infused journey. | Photo by Drew Cornwall

Concert halls

Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, 1037 SW Broadway | Beneath the dazzling lights of the Portland sign, guests enter a three-level foyer and are immediately met with restored Italian Rococo Revival architecture. Inside the theater, the Oregon Symphony (the sixth oldest orchestra in the US) plays for dedicated crowds.

Keller Auditorium, 222 SW Clay St. | Known as the "workhorse" of Portland's Centers for the Arts due to the diversity of events it puts on, guests can enjoy everything from Broadway musicals to operas with a dash of concerts, including groups like Wilco and Natalie Merchant.

Revolution Hall, 1300 SE Stark St., Ste. 203 | The brick building that once housed Washington High School now contains offices and a live music venue inside the former auditorium. Before the show, concertgoers can grab a beer and soak up the views from the rooftop bar. On the ground level, venue-within-a-venue Show Bar hosts The People's Jam, a free monthly community performance.

Mississippi Studios, 3939 N. Mississippi Ave. | Billed as the "musician's music venue," this award-winning location and the attached Bar Bar are like heaven for live music lovers. Unbroken sight lines and quality A/V specs make for a smooth show devoid of unwanted distractions.

It's always a good time at The Goodfoot. | Photo by @smokeythegroove + @littleladypanda_

Restaurants and bars

White Eagle Saloon, 836 N. Russell St. | Though perhaps not the most iconic McMenamins concert venue in the city — we see you Crystal Ballroom — this ivy-adorned, allegedly haunted rock hotel is decked out in musical memorabilia and band photos. Order some Cajun tots and let the rhythm fill your soul.

The Goodfoot, 2845 SE Stark St. | You'll find pool, pinball, and pub grub on the ground level and plenty of singing and dancing in the basement. If you're looking for a neighborhood hangout, this is your place.

Landmark Saloon, 4847 SE Division St. | Boot scootin' boogie over to this country music outpost in the city, where cowboy hats and rhinestones are always acceptable — especially on Whiskey Wednesdays.

The Doug Fir Lounge on East Burnside Street has a mid-century-meets-log-cabin dining room with a basement-level performance venue. | Photo by Another Believer

Intimate spaces

The Old Church Concert Hall, 1422 SW 11th Ave. | Portland's "Sanctuary of Sound" began life in 1882 as a place of worship built in the Carpenter Gothic style, and was eventually saved from demolition by community members in the 1960s. Today, it's operated as a nonprofit, non-religious, all-ages venue whose stage is beautifully framed by stained-glass windows and a massive pipe organ.

Doug Fir Lounge, 301 SE Morrison St. | This venue is in the process of moving into the former home of Le Bistro Montage. Shows are expected to return Summer of 2025.

Piano. Push. Play., Locations vary | For more than a decade, this nonprofit has rescued old pianos and tuned them up, turning them into one-of-a-kind pieces of art that are then scattered across the streets and parks of Portland. The instruments are available for anyone to play, leading to impromptu concerts that bring people together. Fans can purchase a passport and visit each location to earn a stamp, hidden in the pianos' benches.

It remains unclear if Pickathon will return in 2024 since its permit has expired. | Photo by Pickathon Music Festival LLC

Festivals

Pickathon, 16581 SE Hagen Rd., Happy Valley | This experimental music festival distills the sounds of summer into far-out design, weaving nature, curated food and drink, plus conviviality into an unforgettable experience. Attendees can even camp in the nearby woods, ensuring they never miss a moment. Lineups regularly feature local bands and under-the-radar talent.

Portland Jazz Festival, Locations vary | Over the course of 10 days, lovers of all things musically improvised can take in ~100 events across the City of Roses. Performances range from sold-out headliners to underground shows where you can post up in a corner booth and chill.

Portland Music Month, Locations vary | Held throughout the first month of the year, this is the ideal time to cross many of the aforementioned (and beyond) venues off your bucket list. The entire city becomes the stage for 100+ shows, and a portion of the proceeds are reinvested into Portland's music economy. Though suspended in 2025, the plan is to relaunch next year.